Vitamin B5 is a component of coenzyme A (CoA), an essential coenzyme required for chemical reactions that generate energy from food (fat, carbohydrates, and proteins). The synthesis of essential fats, cholesterol, and steroid hormones requires CoA, as does the synthesis of the neurotransmitter ‘acetylcholine’, the hormone ‘melatonin’, and heme, a component of the oxygen-carrying pigment ‘hemoglobin’ in red blood cells. In addition, metabolism of a number of drugs and toxins by the liver requires CoA (3).

 

Coenzyme A was named for its role in ‘acetylation’ reactions, the addition of an acetyl group (-COCH3) that was donated by CoA. Protein acetylation affects the 3-dimensional structure of proteins, potentially altering their function in gene expression, cell division, and cell signaling (4).

 

The acyl-carrier protein requires vitamin B5 in the form of 4'-phosphopantetheine for its activity as an enzyme in the synthesis of fatty acids, a component of some fat molecules (lipids) essential for normal physiological function in nerve transmission and cell membranes (4, 5).

 

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which provides scientific advice to assist policy makers, has confirmed that clear health benefits have been established for the dietary intake of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) in contributing to:

 

• normal energy-yielding metabolism;
• normal mental performance;
• normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D and some neurotransmitters;
• the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.